|
I recently enjoyed sitting down with alumnus Jakob Madsen ‘18. Jakob had reached out to let us know that he is back in town and would like to become involved with Justin-Siena and our alumni community–such music to my ears! I immediately contacted Jakob, introduced myself, and asked for his help with CRAB FEST. A real sport, he said “yes!” Happily donning his JS swag, Jakob became our greeter for the registration line, then worked the Alumni Station handing out gifts (ALLHEART t-shirts), and collecting much-valued updated contact information. When class reunion times roll around, having current information on file is so important!
A Napa native, Jakob attended St. Apollinaris until 7th grade when he transferred to First Christian School and was on track to attend Napa High. On the recommendation of a tutor, Jakob and his family decided to take a look at Justin-Siena…and the rest is history. Taya, Jakob’s little sister, also attended Justin-Siena, and is now completing her last year at Sonoma State University where she is expected to graduate Summa Cum Laude with two degrees, in Marketing and in Psychology. In the Justin-Siena class of 2020, Taya’s graduation was unfortunately, due to COVID, a campus drive-through ceremony.
When I asked Jakob about his favorite memory of Justin-Siena, without hesitation, Jakob gave thumbs up to Theatre and ComedySportz. ComedySportz is an improvisational comedy act of two teams of four actors facing off against each other. He was a part of JS ComedySportz freshman through senior year, and for several months as part of Mr. Bailey’s college league in Los Angeles. Jakob also performed in and wrote for Driven, a collection of intimate ten-minute plays, each taking place in a car. Two-person audience groups moved from vehicle to vehicle to experience unique works performed by pairs of actors. Working with fellow actor Alicia Prince ‘18 in a Rolls Royce was truly a class act.
Without even having to think about it, Jakob cited Mrs. Kelley-Weakley as his favorite teacher. Jakob truly feels with all his heart that the education he received at Justin-Siena prepared him well for college. Appreciative and joyful for this experience, he has offered to return to campus on the regular to share with our students the value of the college preparation he received at Justin-Siena.
Jakob graduated Summa Cum Laude from California State University Long Beach with an honors degree in Finance and Marketing in December 2022. Today you will find him at Comerica Bank in Napa, working as a Commercial Relationship Manager with local wineries and businesses throughout the community.
Jakob is diligently working on obtaining his WSET Diploma in wine and having his diploma will qualify him for the Master of Wine exam. Having passed the first 3 tests, WSET levels 1-3 with Distinction (the highest honors), and a lot of hard work (studying for over 600 hours and making about 1,500 flash cards), he is now focused on the final test #4. Jakob dreams of opening the bottle of 2013 Dom Perignon he purchased to celebrate his success when he has earned the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wine.
Jakob also helps his parents Brent and Mary at their local family business, Anette’s Chocolates, in downtown Napa. A Master Chocolatier, Jakob took me on a sneak peak of the incredible large chocolate bunnies he made for the Easter season. I have a feeling I just might be presenting an amazing chocolate bunny to a lucky winner at next year’s CRAB FEST.
I truly enjoyed my time with Jakob, and look forward to seeing him downtown, when I hope he will help me pick the perfect bottle of wine to enjoy with my box of chocolates.
He entered Justin-Siena to learn and he left to serve. Jakob Madsen truly is ALLHEART.
| 
